Benchmarks:SS.7.C.12: Summarize the political process (campaigns, primaries, general elections)

﻿Task 1: Electoral College Summary

Directions: After we watch the video to the right, you will write a paragraph response that summarizes the basics of how the Electoral College Works. We will stop and discuss periodically throughout the video.

Task 2: Electoral College Weaknesses

Directions: After we watch the video to the left, you will write a paragraph response that summarizes some of the major problems/weaknesses of the Electoral College. We will stop and discuss periodically throughout the video.

Task 3: 270 to Win

DIRECTIONS: Open the “270 to Win” app on the first row of the iPad home screen. Scroll down until you see “The History: Results of Prior Presidential Elections” and select this option.

(If you are using a laptop, click HERE.)In the top right corner of the screen, touch on the “plus” and “negative” signs to scroll forward and backward through historical presidential elections. In order to answer some questions, you will need to touch on the “Election Facts” button in the bottom right corner of the screen. For other questions, you may have to use a general internet search to help you answer.

The questions can be found in the document to the right, but will also be passed out to each table so you don't have to go back and forth between the app and the questions.

Task 4: The Simpsons and the Electoral College

1. What are the two major political parties in America? 2. Define the terms "independent candidate" and "3rd party." 3. What was significant about the 1992 Presidential Election? (look at your answers from the "270 to win" activity)

The clips below are from a Simpson Halloween Special. In the episode, space aliens kidnap and impersonate President Clinton and Senator Dole during the 1996 Presidential Election. The video below begins after Homer reveals the truth to the citizens of Springfield.

4. The clips above offered political commentary. What were the writers on the Simpsons show trying to express about American electoral politics in the clips above?

Task 5: Sandra Day O'Connor and iCivics

1. What was Sandra Day O'Connor's role in government for many years and how does this help her work with iCivics?2. What is your opinion on using games to learn about civics? 3. Do you like iCivics games? Do they help you learn civics in a more meaningful way? Explain why or why not.

6. Who is currently in the running for President for the Democratic and Republican parties? (zoom in on the images below or look up online)7. Who currently has the most delegates/super delegates from the Republican and Democratic parties? (zoom in on the images below or look up online)

Task 8: Presidential Candidates

1. Research the candidates below. ​(the picture below links to a page with info, but you can search multiple sources)2. Summarize each candidate's experience in government or business.3. Write down at least 3 things that each candidate wants to achieve as President. 4. Pick one candidate that you feel best matches up with what you believe. 5. Write a minimum two paragraph response that explains why you would vote for this candidate.